Vinny DiTrani's NFL picks for Week 12

After two good weeks, we fell back into the doldrums last week, just in time for the league to resume the 16-game per week schedule, including Thanksgiving’s three contests. While several divisional races appear settled at this early date, a slew of teams remain eligible for the four wild-card slots. The recent slew of quarterback injuries has impacted the card immensely.

Game of the week

*Saints over 49ers, getting 1 – Colin Kaepernick was exceptional in his first start Monday night, but now must operate in a noisy dome against a team which suddenly discovered defense.

Worth watching

Packers over *Giants, getting 2 1/2 – Even with the bye it’s still November for the Giants. The Green Bay offense without a running threat is not as dominant as it had been in recent seasons, but it’s still good enough vs. Giants’ leaky secondary.

Falcons over *Bucs, giving 1 – The Bucs have to stop somewhere. Atlanta will have to weather an early blast from what should be a revved up Tampa Bay team at home.

*Colts over Bills, giving 3 – Indy did not do well in a step-up of competitions level Sunday, but now faces a more beatable foe.

*Bears over Vikings, no line – This is assuming Jay Cutler returns and Chicago finds a way to protect him. The second part is a big question mark.

*Chargers over Ravens, getting 1 – Baltimore had a tough Sunday night win against rival Pittsburgh, so a letdown is possible. San Diego plays the role of the blind squirrel.

*Browns over Steelers, pick – Plaxico Burress is back in Pittsburgh, but unfortunately he can’t play quarterback. We are not sure Charlie Batch can anymore, either.

Competitive

Seahawks over *Dolphins, giving 3 – The Miami offense was hideous against a bad Buffalo defense last Thursday night.

*Cardinals over Rams, giving 2 – The loser can kiss its wild-card hopes so long.

*Eagles over Panthers, getting 2 1/2 – There may be some riots at the Linc if Philadelphia doesn’t come away with this Monday nighter.

Blowouts

*Bengals over Raiders, giving 8 – Carson Palmer will not care to remember his return to the Queen City.

Broncos over *Chiefs, giving 10 1/2 – Romeo Crennel is a tremendous human being, but his team is awful.